I just finished reading The Ceremonies by Ted Klein. I was recommended to give the guy a try in the Lovecraft section of the site as a writer who was inspired by Lovecraft. I guess it was an okay read, I hardly ever stop reading books once I start them (as an aspiring author I was taught there's always something to be learned by any work of fiction). But I guess my main concern with this book was that Klein's prose didn't really grab me. There were lots of references to Arthur Machen in the book (whom I have in my TBR pile) and other authors of a gothic or horror nature though, so I suppose that was a plus (Bram Stoker, Lovecraft, Mary Shelley).
Also, another criticism is that the book just seemed to plod along. It was centered around days of the week over spring and summer and divided into about 9 books. Certainly an interesting technique all things considered. Lastly, the ending was very hectic and helped to mitigate the plodding nature of the work. All in all, I don't know if it warrants a reread.
I also finished in November The Consolation of Philosophy by Boethius, The Imitation of Christ by Thomas A Kempis, and Religio Medici by Thomas Browne. Was influenced to pick up this collection I think by Extollager when he was making some points about J. R. R. Tolkien in one of these author's threads. I'm really trying to broaden my horizons, as this has the distinction of being the first philosophical collection of writings I've ever read. I took notes when applicable (planning a rather large series of stories--starting with a creation myth) and probably enjoyed The Imitation of Christ the most, though The Consolation of Philosophy was not bad either.
I tend to read a lot of books at the same time and I read in voice as well (so that slows me down) but right now I'm reading Stone of Farewell by Tad Williams, The Complete Fiction of Lovecraft edited by S.T. Joshi (halfway done with this), Ovid's Metamorphosis (just about done with this), and The Lost Road and Other Writings by J. R. R. Tolkien among other books.
